7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lisbon

Wondering why you should visit Lisbon? I can easily give you a multitude of reasons. From its unique historic architecture to its charming, cobblestone streets – this city really has it all!

Even though Lisbon is one of my favorite cities in Europe, I actually visited the city more or less on a whim. For some reason Lisbon had never really been on my radar. But when I stumbled upon some cheap, last-minute flights, I impulsively snatched them up before someone else could.

And I’m so glad I did!

From the moment I arrived, I felt blown away by Lisbon’s stunning, colorful architecture and majestic historic plazas. The city is also home to countless amazing restaurants, as well as lots of cozy little coffee shops and bakeries. Not to mention an incredibly fun nightlife scene, with parties that last deep into the night… and until the early morning.

But my favorite thing about Lisbon is the city’s location. Lisbon was built on Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, spread out across a series of hills overlooking the river Tagus. And the views are absolutely breathtaking.

Still not sure if you should add Lisbon to your bucket list? Then check out my top 7 reasons why this beautiful Portuguese city is definitely worth a visit.

Here are 7 reasons why you should visit Lisbon!

1. Lisbon is home to stunning architecture

One of the things that struck me about Lisbon was its unique and colorful architecture. No matter where you are in this city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beauty. From the tall, majestic buildings in the central district of Baixa to the pastel-colored houses of the Moorish quarter, every neighborhood has its own distinct style and charm.

This makes Lisbon the perfect destination for a long weekend trip. You’re bound to discover something new every day!

The best way to explore Lisbon is on foot, preferably without looking at a map. That way, you can take in every little detail of the city’s stunning architecture. Don’t forget to take comfortable shoes, though – this city was built on 7 very steep hills.

2. Many buildings are covered in beautiful azulejos

Many of the buildings in Lisbon are covered with beautiful, elaborately painted tiles. These are called azulejos, and they’re unique to Portugal and Spain. You’ll find them everywhere in the city: inside historic landmarks, on the facades of houses, and even inside metro stations.

Some azulejos show intricate geometric designs, while others depict scenes of Portuguese daily life, offering you a glimpse into the history of Lisbon. I loved wandering around the city and admiring all the different colors and designs!

Interested in learning more about the manufacturing and history of azulejos? Check out the National Tile Museum, located in the Madre de Deus Convent. I didn’t visit the museum on my first trip to Lisbon, but it’s definitely on my wish list for next time.

3. Lisbon is full of charming historic neighborhoods

Another reason why you should visit Lisbon is because the city is home to several charming, historic neighborhoods. Each of the city’s districts has its own history and character – which is why Lisbon is such an interesting place to explore. It almost feels as if you’re visiting several different Portuguese towns, all meshed together into one beautiful capital!

Which neighborhoods should you visit in Lisbon?

If you’re a first-time visitor, I recommend starting with the central district of Baixa, one of the most beautiful parts of the city. After exploring Baixa, head to the adjacent neighborhoods of Chiado and Alfama.

Baixa

The district of Baixa is very popular with tourists, and with good reason. It’s the heart of Lisbon, home to grand plazas, historic monuments and wide avenues lined with gorgeous neoclassical buildings.

This is also where the Praça do Comércio is located, one of the largest squares in Europe and a definite must-see in Lisbon. On the north side of the square stands the majestic Arco da Rua Augusta. This beautiful triumphal arch symbolizes the rebirth of Lisbon after the terrible earthquake that befell the city in 1755.

In addition to its historic importance, Baixa is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city. Both locals and tourists come here for its luxurious shopping boulevards. You’ll also find lots of lovely (indoor and outdoor) cafes in Baixa, as well as cute little bakeries offering delicious pastries.

Chiado

Located uphill from Baixa is the sophisticated theater district of Chiado, another area worth exploring. This is where you’ll find high-end stores, excellent restaurants, and beautiful theaters built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Chiado doesn’t draw as many tourists as Baixa, which means it’s a great place to go for a leisurely stroll.

I have to add a note of warning, though: the district of Chiado has a lot of steep hills! Luckily, this neighborhood is also home to several cozy coffee shops in case you need a quick break. Or a hot beverage.

Alfama

Another district you should add to your Lisbon itinerary is Alfama, the Moorish quarter. This is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods. It’s also my favorite part of the city.

Alfama is a charming labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, hidden squares and beautiful old churches. Most of its houses are painted in shades of pink, yellow and blue, with red-tiled roofs and picturesque little balconies. Walking around this neighborhood felt like stepping back in time, which is why I love it so much!

Alfama’s winding streets are also home to lots of small, dimly-lit restaurants called tascas. Tascas usually offer traditional Portuguese food and wine. This makes Alfama the perfect place to sample some delicious local cuisine.

Another reason why you should visit a tasca in Alfama, is because they frequently host fado singers. Fado is a melancholic, haunting style of music, which supposedly originated in Lisbon. Listening to fado in an intimate setting while enjoying a traditional Portuguese meal is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else!

4. You’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views

In addition, Lisbon is famous for its many miradouros. These hilltop terraces offering panoramic views are another must-see in the city. They’re popular with locals and tourists alike, and form an important part of Lisbon’s daily life. Many people gather here to admire the city’s beauty, watch the sunset, or simply sit and relax for a while, away from the busy streets below.

You’ll find spaces to sit at every miradouro, and some even have kiosks where you can buy snacks and refreshments.

Which miradouros should you visit in Lisbon?

There are a lot of miradouros to choose from, but my personal favorite is the one at Castelo de São Jorge. This fortified castle was built during the Moorish occupation of Portugal. It’s located atop the city’s tallest hill, towering over the Alfama district. As a result, this miradouro offers the best views of Lisbon’s historic center and the glistening waters of the river Tagus.

Come here just before sunset – you won’t regret it!

Another great viewpoint is the Elevador de Santa Justa. This ironwork elevator was built in 1902 to connect Carmo Square with the lower district of Baixa. If you climb up to the observatory platform, you’ll enjoy an amazing panorama of Lisbon’s colorful, red-roofed houses, as well as Castelo de São Jorge in de distance.

5. You’ll hear street music everywhere

Wander around Lisbon’s busy center for a while, and you’re bound to stumble upon a group of musicians playing music. During my trip, I encountered bands and singers on nearly every corner and square of the city. And they played all kinds of music – from acoustic guitar to heavy metal!

One of the best places to listen to street music is the Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s largest and most impressive plaza. It’s located in the district of Baixa and looks out across the river Tagus. You’ll often find musicians playing in the center of the square next to the statue of King José I, or near the waterfront.

6. Lisbon has a fun nightlife scene

Lisbon is a city meant for night owls. A typical night out in Lisbon starts with a late dinner, usually around 8 or 9 pm, followed by casual drinks at a bar. Most people don’t go clubbing before 1 am. And once they’ve hit the club, they keep on partying until the sun comes up!

Which nightlife hubs should you visit in Lisbon?

Lisbon has two main nightlife hubs: Bairro Alto and Pink Street. The old neighborhood of Bairro Alto is relatively quiet during the day, but the area comes alive in the evenings, when its cobblestone streets fill up with people chatting and having a drink.

This is where you’ll find lots of small, laidback bars offering (cheap) beers. Many of them also frequently host live bands. Bairro Alto is the best place to start your Saturday night out in Lisbon.

When Bairro Alto closes, people usually head to Pink Street in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood. Pink Street (Rua Cor-de-Rosa) used to be a red-light district, but is now a major nightlife hotspot full of restaurants, bars and clubs. The best-known nightclubs are The Music Box and Europa, where you can dance until the early morning hours. If you’re looking for a more laid-back bar to chill instead, check out Pink Wine Point.

7. Lisbon has several impressive historic landmarks

Like many other capital cities in Europe, Lisbon is home to several impressive historic landmarks. One of those landmarks is Castelo de São Jorge, a Moorish castle built in the eleventh century. Although the castle looks austere from the outside, I definitely recommend adding it to your Lisbon itinerary. It’s worth a visit for its stunning panoramic views alone!

Also worth visiting is the former Church of Santa Engracia. This beautiful white church was built on a hilltop in the district of Alfama. In the twentieth century, the church was converted into the National Pantheon of Portugal where important Portuguese people were buried, such as presidents and writers.

The Church of Santa Engracia is one of my personal favorite historic sites in Lisbon. I love its unique and colorful interior and interesting symmetrical designs. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a church like it!

Other important sites in Lisbon include the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a spectacular monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sadly, I didn’t get to visit either landmarks on my trip… but that just gives me another reason to visit Lisbon a second time.

I hope this post inspired you to visit Lisbon! 🙂

This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated and edited for accuracy and SEO.